CHAMPIONSHIP 2: Bounce-back-ability

Taylor's side entertained Knockbreda on Saturday, and despite a good display, it was the visitors who nicked all three points.

"It wasn't a good start, " admitted the Portstewart boss.

"We started the game well, but to be honest we were a bit intimidated by them.

"They are a very vocal side, and we need to learn to be a wee bit tougher.

"I thought we should have gone in at the break two goals up, but after the break Knockbreda came out and rallied, we just have to learn not to let teams put us off. We need a little bit more mental strength."

Play was equal for the opening 35 minutes of the game.

Andy McMullan had an early effort for the home side, while at the other end Garrett had an effort which went wide for Knockbreda.

James Peden opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a controversial goal, that the Knockbreda players thought never crossed the line. The goal was given and Portstewart pressed forward.

Stephen Tosh thought he had doubled Portstewart's lead with a fine header, but it was ruled off side.

As the first half ended Knockbreda pushed in search of an equaliser, their efforts were helped when Portstewart were reduced to ten men after Liam Doherty was sent off.

Making the most of the extra man, Knockbreda looked more confident in the second half, their efforts were rewarded on the hour mark when Rooney made it 1-1.

Joel Maddison was proving to be a fine deputy for Hugh McAllister in the Portstewart goal pulling off several fine saves.

Garrett was sent off for Knockbreda after receiving a second yellow card, but this didn't hamper the visitors as they grabbed the winner five minutes from time. Chimes got on the end of a cross to hit home.

Portstewart travel to Moyola Park this Friday night to play Wakehurst.

"I hope we can bounce back and take three points from this game," said Taylor.

"We still have a few players missing, Hugh is going to be out for at least eight weeks, but Glebe have been good enough to lend us Joel Maddison, who has been exceptional in the games he has played.

"Alan Gaston will be available again for Friday and Mervyn Nicholl will be back training again.

"Graham Vauls and Craig Ramsey are still struggling with injuries, so thankfully our squad is big enough this season to cope with injuries."

The Portstewart boss also revealed that Chris Donnell has accepted a loan deal with Coleraine until Christmas: "Chris wanted to give it a go at Coleraine and he has the best wishes of the Club.

"We will be very proud if he makes it, but on the other hand if things don't work out, he is very welcome back," added Taylor.

PORTSTEWART: J Maddison, A Todd, R McFadden, J Peden, S Tosh, P White, O Peden, L Doherty, A McMullan, B Tosh, R Nicholl. Subs: T Parson, A Tosh, V Hennegan, G Taylor, A McGarvey.